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Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
FOR Dr Gasolo (real name Prince Ncube), walking the “Long Walk to Success” from his rural Matshetsheni Village in Gwanda, Matabeleland South, to Bulawayo has always been far more than stamina.
It has been about recognition, and now, the Bulawayo-based poet has joined American long-distance walker Eddie Bond on a section of the latter’s historic walkathon from Cape Town in South Africa to Cairo in Egypt.
This symbolic step onto the continental stage sees Dr Gasolo walking alongside Bond and South African long-distance walker, James Shuping Setshogelo.
The trio converged in Plumtree town yesterday (Tuesday). They started tackling the 100-kilometre stretch towards Bulawayo, a segment of Bond’s epic journey that has captured attention across Africa and on social media.
Together, they are set to arrive in Bulawayo tomorrow (Thursday).
Eddie Bond shared the profound motivation behind his extraordinary trek across the continent.
“Well, a few years ago, I walked across America, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. It was so life-changing. I realised this is something that I really enjoy doing.
“After that, I walked across Spain, and I cycled across Australia. For years, I’ve been dreaming of coming to Africa, and I knew immediately that I wanted to walk from Cape to Cairo.
“I am doing it for the experience, the adventure, the opportunity to meet people and to experience culture, language, food and African dancing. I am thirsty for knowledge and for experiences,” said Bond.
His fascination with Africa saw him facing his fears as his passion led to a drastic action, going overboard by selling all his properties, just to fund his African experience.
“I weighed all my options, and every single thing that I weighed fell short compared to Africa. So, I knew there was only one thing to do. I must go. I then sold everything that I owned. I am just in the moment, living my dream.
“I am fully committed and this is just my purpose. This is my passion. Living each moment to the fullest, experiencing as much as I can, and learning as much as possible as I go,” said Bond.
Joining this local journey is not Dr Gasolo alone, as a third party, South Africa’s James Shuping Setshogelo, also joined them, driven by his own passion for walking and a vision of unity.
Setshogelo, who is the founder of the James Shuping Setshogelo Foundation, said walking is his passion, as he said their walkathon will unify the world.
“I’m just taking my friend Eddie a mile across Zimbabwe. This is a great way to unite the world because as we walk, we are representing three countries that advocate for love, harmony and peace in the world.
“We are also making Eddie’s dream come true, showing him that Africa is a place where he can call home because we are people who are welcoming, loving and caring,” said Setshogelo.
Dr Gasolo said walking this leg with Bond and Setshogelo highlights the power of collaboration beyond the arts.
“I am enjoying this collaboration. Usually, when we talk of collaboration, people think of musicians, but here we have three men joining forces to do what they love, which is walking.
“So far, so good, we are getting along very well. It’s like we have known each other for ages. This is also very inspiring and it makes me want to do more.
“Besides walking, we are also sharing knowledge on the arts industry, as both are in the arts. Bond is an actor and a musician, while Setshogelo is an arts manager,” said Gasolo.
This trio embodies a shared spirit of adventure, cultural exchange, and the simple, powerful act of putting one foot in front of the other on a journey connecting nations. — @MbuleloMpofu
Online Reporter